FAA Launches Pilot of AI Air Traffic Control System in Warrenton

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated a pilot program for a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform called SMART, designed to manage air traffic in the D.C. region. The system uses AI to analyze airline schedules, airport capacity, weather conditions, and operational constraints to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts. The soft launch of the pilot began on September 21, 2026, at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Warrenton, Virginia. This program is part of a nearly $900 million FAA technology contract and is expected to run for 90 days.

The rollout of the SMART system aims to help manage air traffic and improve performance at Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Reagan National Airport. The initiative is part of broader discussions regarding the integration of AI into air traffic control systems amidst global technological shifts.

Discussions are underway at Climate Week NYC regarding the integration of AI into air traffic control systems, alongside high-level talks on U.S.-China relations.